One of our favourite Coronation Street stars is QUITTING the show

Ryan Thomas is saying goodbye to Weatherfield after 15 years, it was confirmed this morning.

The 31-year-old actor, who plays builder Jason Grimshaw in the long-running soap, said he'd be filming his final scenes in early 2016. 

Having joined the show as a teen back in 2000, Ryan said in a statement today that he was ready to pursue other challenges.

""The decision to leave was an extremely difficult one but I felt that now was the right time to spread my wings and try other roles."

While his departure from the show has been confirmed, Ryan's character has a meaty storyline ahead before he says goodbye.

"In the coming months he'll be at the heart of a massive story, affecting not just his family but the Websters and the Windasses too which will take us well into 2016," producer Stuart Blackburn said today.

As for Jason, he admitted he's "excited" to see what exit storyline the writers create for him.

After hinting at the Pride of Britain Awards last week that a move to the US could be on the cards, it seems Ryan could be leaving the UK in favour of better acting opportunities.

"Going to Hollywood is a dream so I’m going to see what happens," he told reporters at the awards.